Emirates Transport has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Al Ghandi Auto to install a solar-powered, off-grid electric vehicle (EV) charging station at its head office in Dubai.
The announcement was made at GITEX Global 2024, the world’s largest tech event, aligning with Emirates Transport’s sustainability strategy.
This marks the first time Al Ghandi Auto has installed a charging station entirely powered by solar energy, making it one of the first off-grid solar EV charging stations in the UAE. The new technology will support Emirates Transport’s environmental goals while contributing to the UAE’s broader vision for a greener future.
The MoU aims to maximise the use of solar energy across both transportation and facility operations at Emirates Transport, creating a self-sufficient energy ecosystem that enhances energy resilience. By reducing dependence on external power sources, the collaboration is expected to inspire industry-wide adoption of renewable energy solutions.
Work is already underway to install the charging station at Emirates Transport’s Dubai headquarters. The solar-powered station, manufactured by Swiss technology company ABB, will be capable of generating up to 22KW of power. It can charge the batteries of a standard Chevrolet Bolt to 80% in approximately 1.5 hours. Initially, the station will be available for use by staff and visitors during a six-month trial period, after which a decision on expanding the facility will be made based on its performance.
Al Ghandi Auto, one of the region’s largest automotive retail groups, is looking to promote the adoption of solar EV chargers and expand the UAE’s EV charging infrastructure. The company already supplies electric vehicles and conventional EV chargers, and is now broadening its portfolio to include advanced off-grid charging solutions.
The UAE has set ambitious targets to increase the share of EVs on its roads from 3% in 2023 to 50% by 2050, in line with its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by the same year. A recent report by the International Energy Agency ranked the UAE second in the Middle East for EV sales, underscoring the nation’s commitment to sustainable transport.
Dominic Hagerty, Chief Transport and Lease Officer at Emirates Transport, welcomed the partnership, stating: “This agreement with Al Ghandi Auto empowers operational efficiency with clean energy, setting a new standard for corporate sustainability. By pioneering this advanced solar-charging technology at our head office, we are demonstrating how innovative practices can lead to a more sustainable and efficient future. It means we can take the lead in reducing carbon emissions from transport and helping the UAE reach its net-zero goals.”
Buti Saeed Mohammed Al Ghandi, Managing Director of Al Ghandi Auto, added: “Al Ghandi Auto has been at the forefront of supplying electric vehicles and the most efficient methods of charging those vehicles here in the UAE. With the advancement of solar technologies, off-grid solar EV chargers are now a viable solution for sustainable, self-sufficient charging. We are excited to trial this technology with Emirates Transport in a partnership that shows both parties are dedicated to a sustainable future.”
This initiative marks a significant step forward in the UAE’s efforts to promote sustainability and reduce carbon emissions, positioning Emirates Transport and Al Ghandi Auto as leaders in the shift towards greener mobility solutions.
